Pittsburgh

It's been hard going at Pittsburgh International in the years since US Airways downsized and finally de-hubbed the airport. The once-bustling Airmall, the blueprint for many future airport shop-and-dine operations, is a shadow of its former self. The best of what's left is Currito, the regional burrito chain that specializes in stuffing all sorts of Mediterranean and Asian concoctions inside a tortilla. It's in the Center Core of the Airmall. If you prefer a sit-down option, walk to the slick Olive Press inside the adjacent Hyatt Regency hotel. The décor is modern and the cuisine modern Italian. Prices are on the high side, at least by Pittsburgh standards. If you need to escape the airport, the best option is Ya Fei, about six miles away in the Robinson Town Centre. The Asian "fusion" place offers surprisingly good sushi and quite good renditions of classic Chinese dishes. There's a nice wine list too. But you may not find the forest of shopping malls in the neighborhood any more charming than the airport itself.

Philadelphia

When you're at Philadelphia International, have a drink at Cibo's, the cozy bistro with outlets in Terminals A-West and B. There are about three dozen wines available by the glass. But hold your appetite for another local favorite: Chickie's and Pete's, the local seafood chain-cum-sports bars that has opened branches in Terminals A-West, C and E. Or join the other fish freaks who rejoiced at this spring's opening of the PHL branch of Legal Sea Foods. The 75-seat restaurant is located in the Terminal B/C Connector. Meanwhile, if you’re into some off-the-airport excitement, try Bomb Bomb BBQ Grill and Italian Restaurant, a place that could only exist in South Philly. The traditional Southern Italian menu (tomato sauce is called gravy here) somehow co-exists with a roster of award-winning baby-back ribs and chicken dishes. It's eight miles from Philadelphia International. A few blocks away, nestled under Interstate 95, is Tony Luke's, a power name in Philly sandwiches. The cheesesteak is a classic, of course, but many locals prefer Luke's Italian roast pork sandwiches, one of which is topped with rapini (broccoli rabe) and melted provolone.

Industries:

Comments

If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.